research reactor

A research reactor is a type of nuclear reactor primarily used for scientific research, teaching, and materials testing, rather than electricity production. These reactors are characterized by their thermal power, neutron density, and neutron energy within the core, which are key to their research capabilities.1

The most common type is the water-cooled, plate-fuel reactor, which uses enriched uranium fuel and is cooled and moderated by water. These can range from low-power university reactors for teaching to high-power laboratory reactors for materials testing. Another popular type is the TRIGA reactor, which uses a unique fuel that allows for rapid power bursts, useful for dynamic experiments.12

Research reactors are designed with multiple safety barriers, including fuel cladding, the reactor vessel, and shielding, all housed within a containment structure to prevent the release of radioactivity. While commercial power reactors and high-power research reactors typically require containment structures, low-power research reactors are often exempt due to the assumption that accidents would not lead to widespread radioactive release.34